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Text: 2 Peter 1:5-11 Introduction:
I. In our study, we are considering the second of these
qualities, which are to be supplied in our faith -
knowledge.
II. The Bible places a great deal of emphasis on knowledge
- Isaiah 5:13; Hosea 4:6; Philippians 3:8 (Think of a
set of balances); Colossians 1:9-10; 2 Peter 3:18; In
our text.
III. Consider with me three needs in relation to knowledge.Body:
I. We need a balanced knowledge.
A. Knowledge of the Bible might be placed into two
different categories.
1. Doctrinal - Knowledge on those points of
difference that exist between various religious
groups (what to do to be saved; sprinkling;
infant baptism; instrumental music; the Lord's
Supper; etc.)
2. General or textual knowledge - Knowledge of
what's in the book, an over-all concept of the
message of each book.
B. Might ask, "How well balance is your Bible know-
ledge?"
1. Suppose you had to take a test - Questions on
one test ask, "Give plan of salvation and give
scripture," "Why do you have no instrumental
music?"
In the October 30, 198- issue of Truth Magazine,
John McCort wrote about a group of teachers (in
a teacher training class) who took a test on
some basic fundamentals of Christianity.
Average score was 58%. Only 2 were above 80%
out of 14.
Only 4 could find verses on the 5 steps of
salvation (one even could not supply all 5
steps).
Only 4 could supply two passages that imply that
baptism is immersion.
Only four could list a passage that says that
the Bible is inspired.
2 could not tell who preached the first sermon
in Acts 2.
Only 5 could supply a verse that says that there
is only one church.
3 were able to give a passage that states that
Jesus is the head of the church.
2 could give 2 passages that state it is wrong
to add to God's Word.
6 knew the passage that says that salvation is
not by faith only.
1 stated that a pastor was an evangelist.
--Questions on the other test ask, "What is the
book of Ephesians about? or Philippians?
(Ephesians: to picture God's glorious redemptive
grace toward the church, bestowed upon it in
order that it might be a blessing to the world
and might stand united over against all the
forces of evil and thus glorify its Redeemer.
Philippians: 1. To give written expression of
his gratitude. 2 To fill the minds and hearts
of the Philippians with the spirit of gladness.)
2. I'm convinced that this latter category is the
neglected category.
C. But both areas are important.
1. The need for doctrinal knowledge is obvious:
1 Peter 3:15; Matthew 7:15; Acts 17:11 - Think
of coming before the Lord in judgment with no
Bible knowledge concerning these matters.
2. But there are also spiritual qualities we need
to be developing constantly: a constant
consciousness of God (explain); gratitude; a
love for and faith in prayer; a love for the
word; a devotion to things eternal - None of
these things comes from knowing why we don't use
instrumental music; they are more an outgrowth
of this general knowledge. Mention Ephesians
and Philippians on purpose; these are two such
books that bring us to appreciate more fully
what we have in Christ and the joy we can
experience even in the midst of setbacks.
D. As we study knowledge today, I challenge you to
think in terms of this balance, and set your heart
on gaining knowledge in both areas-"But I can't
learn that kind of thing." II. We need a purposeful knowledge.
A. Knowledge may be looked as an end in itself (know-
ledge merely for knowledge's sake - Like the
Athenians); or as a means to an end.
1. Idea exists, "If we can just get a study going
in their home" - might help or might not -
question is, why are they willing to study? Out
of curiosity? Prove someone wrong? Desire to
be saved eternally?
2. We must not only cultivate an interest in
studying in others; we must cultivate the right
purpose in relation to that study.
3. And so we must work to see that our knowledge is
with purpose, not just intellectual interest.
B. Scriptures: 2 Peter 1:8; Philippians 3:8-11; Psalms
1:1-3.
C. What purposes do we have in mind? (Already
mentioned some)
1. To grow more spiritual ourselves.
2. To be able to answer every man…
3. To be able to share with others message of
salvation.
4. To be able to teach children.
5. Zeal in these areas without knowledge is
ruinous. Romans 10:1-3.
III. We need an obedient knowledge.
A. "The road to hell is proved with good intentions."
1. Not enough to have purpose in our knowledge time
to put our purpose to actions.
2. Preacher friend of Bill Hall - build office, buy
equipment, but when he would get all set up it
was time to move - Purpose, but no fulfillment.
3. So with Corinthians - 2 Corinthians 8:10-11.
4. So with many in their knowledge.
B. 1 John 2:3-4
C. James 1:22-25Conclusion: Hebrews 5:12-6:3 Let's look at our record. Top of the page
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